{Date} June 27, 2015
{Bride}  Mary Lacy Montgomery      
{Groom}  Benjamin Webb Sabin
{Hometowns)   Mary Lacy Montgomery – Hattiesburg, MS
Webb Sabin – Greenwood, MS
{Parents} Mr. and Mrs. Tom Montgomery of Hattiesburg
Mr. and Mrs. John Sabin of Bay St. Louis
{Wedding Site} Subrosa  (National Historic Home, circa 1849)    Pocahontas, MS 
{Reception Site} Subrosa   Pocahontas, MS 
{Bride’s Bouquet}  An array of flowers.  Colors – ivory, peaches, pinks  (Very summery and elegant)
{Bridesmaid Bouquets}   Same as bride, just smaller bouquets. 

{How did the two of you meet?} Webb and I were introduced by a close friend and met on a blind date.  We laid eyes on each other for the first time, October 30, 2013, at Giardina’s Restaurant in the Alluvian Hotel in Greenwood, MS.  It was like at first sight.  We knew this would be something special. 

{What is your proposal story?}  It was February 24, 2015, one of the coldest nights this year.  Webb built us a roaring fire to enjoy while he prepared our steak dinner to perfection.  This was a totally normal night for us, so I didn’t suspect a thing.  We were sitting by the fire and talking, then all of a sudden Webb got down on one knee.  I immediately started crying and saying “is it time?”  It was the most perfect and precious moment.  The love of my life asked me to marry him and I said yes!

{What inspired your wedding and reception locations?}  Being Mississippians, we wanted it to be an elegant, classic, and southern wedding.  We knew we wanted it outside on the grounds of a historic home.  Subrosa, a private residence in Pocahontas, was chosen as our wedding and reception venue, because it provided a beautiful, elegant, and natural southern setting.   

{What inspired your color scheme/theme/flowers?}  Subrosa’s natural beauty made it very easy to decide on the look and feel of what we wanted for our perfect day.  Our colors blended into the gracious natural setting beautifully.  The array of flowers, including several types of roses (Subrosa means under the rose), were ivories, pinks, and peaches.  Silver candelabras adorned the tables throughout the yard to add to the southern and classic feel of the evening.

{How did you pick “the dress?”}  I wanted my dress to be simple yet unique.  Our search started and ended at Forrest Paper and Bridal Company in Hattiesburg.  I knew it was “The” dress when I walked out and my parents’ started tearing up.  I looked in the mirror and knew immediately that we had found the perfect dress. 

{What’s your favorite unique accessory? Is there a story behind it?} Surrounding the wedding cake were four heirloom silver candelabras from the bride’s family. 
To toast each other, Mary Lacy and Webb used silver goblets that have been passed down from his father’s family. 

{What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?}  Honestly I loved planning our wedding.  I was blessed to be able to work with such amazing people for our wedding.   Working with Wendy Putt and Kendall Poole was a treat above treats.  But my favorite part, would have to be sitting down with Wendy and picking out the flowers, centerpieces, tablecloths, chairs, etc….. to pull it all together.  Webb and I wanted timeless elegance and what Wendy and came up with was perfect.  I wanted my husband and I to look out that evening and know every part of the wedding was 100% us.  

{Besides the actual wedding, what was your favorite moment of the wedding day?} For me, one of the most fun parts of the day was having all my friends and family gathered together celebrating, eating, chatting, laughing, and getting our hair and makeup done for the evening. 

{What was your favorite surprise detail/moment about your wedding day?} I absolutely love fresh flowers.   My favorite surprise moment started on Thursday when I arrived at the hotel.  I walked in the door and there was the most beautiful, huge arrangement of flowers with my name on it.  The hotel staff even had a fit when they saw my face and I realized it was for me.  Webb had planned for flowers and a hand written note to be sent to me every morning of our wedding weekend.   Each day the flowers were completely different and special.  He is such a joy to my life.  I praise the Lord every day for preparing us for each other.

{Your favorite picture from the big day?} My favorite picture of the day was right after the ceremony ended.  It started sprinkling, everyone was walking up to the reception, and Christina Cannon (our photographer) grabbed Webb and me and placed us right in front of the gorgeous cross that we used for the alter.  The smiles on our faces were priceless and some precious person (I can not remember who it was) was holding an umbrella over our heads.  The pond behind us was as still as glass and the plush greenery surroundings made it one of the most exquisite photos.

{The picture that represents the two of you best?} Webb and I were dancing our first dance and I started cracking up with laughter.  That represents us to the T.  I am so in love with this man and he loves me so unconditionally that it just made me giddy with excitement. 

Photographer:  Christina Cannon   
Event Planner:  Kendall Poole Event Planning
Dress: Jim Hjelm
Bride’s Jewelry:  Wore her own pearl and diamond earrings that she received when she was Mississippi’s Miss Hospitality 1997
Hair: Bay England 
Make-up: Chanda Vanslyke
Bridesmaid Dresses:  Alfred Sung
Tuxes: The American Tuxedo – Memphis, TN
Venue: Subrosa
Lighting: Fresh Cut Catering and Floral
Rentals: Mississippi Tent Company
Florist: Fresh Cut Catering and Floral
Catering: Fresh Cut Catering and Floral
Bar: Georgia Blue
Band: Chris Gill and the Soul Shakers
Bride’s Cake: Cakes by Iris
Groom’s Cake: Coconut Cream Pies - The Germantown Commissary (for the main pie) and Fresh Cut Catering By Wendy Putt (for the mini pies)
Print Material:  Invitations – Forrest Paper and Bridal Company
Wedding Programs – Lawrence Printings Company
Shuttle Service:  Cline Tours

“Some of my favorite childhood memories involve dinner parties and family celebrations,” reflects Aven Whittington of Mangia Bene Catering in Jackson.  “Growing up in a farming community – gardening and cooking have always been a big part of life.  And growing up in the Delta, partying was a big part of life too!” Aven laughs.

Aven is the mastermind and creative caterer behind Mangia Bene Catering.  For almost 18 years, he has provided clients with reliable service, a professional and friendly team, and inventive, delicious food! We reached out to Jackson’s best caterer to learn a little more about him and why he finds catering so inspiring!

Where did you go to school, and what led you down the catering path?
“One of my first business ventures was opening a concession stand with my Mom… We sold burgers, hot dogs, and candy at local softball games... I was hooked.  After high school I had a very short stint at Ole Miss.  While in Oxford I had the opportunity to work for several local restaurants – That is when the ‘bug’ really got me.  I came to Jackson with the intention of saving for culinary school.  I started out working for BRAVO! as a cook and part time for a local caterer - Jim Hudson at Bon Ami.  I also enrolled and later graduated from Mississippi College with a degree in business administration. I quickly realized culinary school and being a chef wasn’t the path for me… I loved catering.  I get to cook, plan menus, and execute the business side of things – budgets and logistics… I love it! I have been a professional caterer for about 18 years.”

What is your favorite thing about catering? How does catering inspire you?
“Typically I don’t get hired for Tuesday night dinners – I get hired for life’s special moments - weddings, birthdays, business celebrations, graduations, & sometimes even a funeral.  These are the biggest moments in people’s lives and I get to share that… play a small role.  That is an honor and a privilege.”

 Do you create all of the menus and recipes? 
“I am very blessed to have access to the best chefs in Mississippi.  I typically don’t write the recipes… I come up with the menus and our chefs execute them.  We take a team approach in order to give our customers the best that we can offer.”

How do you prepare for an event?
“For larger events – the first step is to sit down and meet with the client.  At that point the most important thing I can do is listen.  Once I understand exactly what a client is looking for – I can do my part to make that happen!  I write the menus, set time lines, arrange for rentals and floral if necessary, etc… Our company takes a team approach and tries to bring the best in for our clients while keeping an eye on the bottom line.  Every event is unique – It’s like we open a fresh business every day… That is exciting (and inspiring) to me!”

Do you have a favorite menu item that you create? 
“I love well-executed food… Properly cooked from scratch.  We don’t use stuff out of the freezer.  That’s the big difference between our food and some others. A menu from us might feature smoked duck sliders with fig and arugula, roman style shrimp in mint & basil, grilled beef skewers with chimichuri, puff pastry tomato rounds with comeback, and grilled vegetables… A little cheese and dessert – THAT is a party!”

We could not agree more!  Thank you, Aven, for providing amazing food and unbeatable service to the Jackson area for almost twenty years!  For more information on Mangia Bene Catering, please visit their Facebook page here or their website here! 

This year marks the 35th anniversary of Jackson’s most beloved holiday event, Mistletoe Marketplace.  This wonderful weekend, presented by the Junior League of Jackson, will be held November 4-7 at the Mississippi Trademart in downtown Jackson.  “We are trying to keep the traditions of the past with wonderful special events, such as the preview gala.  And we are excited to offer many spectacular new events this year!” says Meredith Aldridge, 2015 Mistletoe Marketplace Promotions Chair. 

Strolling through Mistletoe is a magical experience each year.  Shop gorgeous jewelry and accessories, beautiful art and antiques, precious children’s clothing and toys, Christmas items, delicious food and more!  It truly ushers in the spirit of Christmas every holiday season!   

This year’s special events are simply spectacular.   Mistletoe kicks off with the Preview Gala: A Carnival Ball. “Join us in celebrating 35 years of Mistletoe Marketplace with fine cuisine by Fresh Cut Catering and Floral and the sounds of The Krackerjacks.  Our Premier Silent and Live Auctions will be a great way to start shopping for loved ones (or yourself!).  Preview Gala guests have the first (and best!) look at the offerings of our fabulous merchants, both old and new.  As we pay tribute to past, present and future of Mistletoe Marketplace, this will surely be a Ball to remember.”  Sponsors of this lovely evening include Land Rover of Jackson, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Patty Peck Honda, Ergon and C Spire.

Before Mistletoe officially opens its doors to the public on Thursday morning, guests can shop early and enjoy a fabulous brunch by Mangia Bene during A Mistletoe Morning.  This event sells quickly, so buy your tickets here as soon as possible!

On Thursday evening, grab your girlfriends for Bring on the Bubbly!  “For a little extra glitter and glitz, makeup artists from Belk will be on hand to offer tips for a fabulous holiday look.  Enjoy the sounds of Sarah Ulmer while you eat, shop and get glammed.”

Unforgettable events will continue through the weekend, including a Fashion Show, #flashbackfriday concert with Mississippi’s favorite 80’s cover band, U.S., and a sweet event for children to create one-of-a-kind teddy bears while they wait for Santa to arrive!  St. Dominic’s is also sponsoring The Rudolph Race on Saturday morning, a cheerful run to kick off your weekend.

Mistletoe Marketplace is a wonderful time to gather with friends and family, shop, eat, and spark your holiday spirit.  But the most important aspect of Mistletoe is that it directly supports out local communities!  “By supporting the Junior League of Jackson at Mistletoe Marketplace, you are truly helping support wonderful community projects.  Everything ties back to the community,” says Meredith.  “It is a fun holiday event that funds more than 30 projects.  We typically raise about 1.4 million dollars that directly enriches the lives of Mississippians.” 

What an extraordinary organization!  Let your heart be light!  For more information on Mistletoe Marketplace, please visit their beautiful website here.  To purchase tickets, click here!  For more details on special events, please click here! You can also learn more about the Junior League of Jackson here.

We hope to see all of you at the Mississippi Trademart in November!